Cardiothoracic Surgery Stepdown / Registered Nurse

Emory•Atlanta, GA

12h

About The Position

Emory Healthcare is hiring an RN Clinician for 6E, a 24-bed cardiovascular surgical stepdown unit. The unit cares for patients following heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass grafts, valve repair or replacement, thoracic aneurysm repair, congenital heart defect repair, and ventricular assist device procedures. Its targeted nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:3. Nurses may work with chest tubes, surgical wounds, blood transfusions, anti-arrhythmic drugs, inotropes, pacing wires, tracheostomies, and LVADs. The unit was recognized as an exemplar during the 2023 ANCC Magnet recertification for supporting nurses’ participation in daily in-person interdisciplinary rounds. The RN Clinician is an experienced healthcare professional who applies clinical knowledge, research, and experience to provide individualized care for patients and families. The nurse adapts care to changing situations, serves as a resource for colleagues, and advocates for patients and families. The role includes independent nursing practice, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, developing leadership and precepting responsibilities, and ongoing professional development. The position involves a medium-heavy level of physical demands and potential exposure to clinical and environmental hazards. Conditions and demands may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks.

Requirements

For the BSN pathway: graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and either 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years or recent completion of a re-entry nursing program.
For the ADN pathway: graduate of an accredited prelicensure Associate Degree in Nursing program and at least two years of recent nursing experience within the past five years.
Valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
BLS certification.
For virtual care activities that may involve multi-state practice, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire. Employees in the role before 11/09/2025 have until their next renewal date to achieve compact status.
Emory LPNs enrolled in an Emory ADN program as of 3/30/2025 must sign an obligation agreement to complete an ADN-to-BSN program within two years of entering the RN Clinician role.

Nice To Haves

ACLS or PALS certification may be required for certain departments after hire.
Additional certifications may be required depending on department and specialty.

Responsibilities

Deliver safe, effective, independent nursing care using the nursing process.
Conduct thorough patient assessments and recognize how nursing care affects outcomes.
Develop and implement patient care plans with patient and family input, adjusting plans as needed.
Document care accurately and efficiently in electronic and physical records.
Identify patient and family learning needs and recommend appropriate resources.
Delegate appropriately based on patient acuity and team member competency.
Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team, patients, and family care partners.
Perform developing leadership duties, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.
Precept staff or students, including serving as a designated preceptor.
Identify potential policy revisions based on evidence-based research.
Participate in unit-based shared governance or practice council activities and raise workflow, equipment, or practice issues affecting patient care.
Communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, recognize cultural differences, and individualize care accordingly.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational information and support open communication, psychological safety, and the One Emory Culture.
Pursue ongoing professional growth and apply evidence-based practice in daily care.
Collect, report, and analyze data to improve patient care and meet organizational standards.
Participate in surveys, interviews, and other methods to identify and resolve areas for improvement.
Meet core standards, including current performance rating, mandatory education, and annual competencies.